Before the initial Acupuncture treatment, a comprehensive health history intake form will need to be completed prior to the appointment.
During your first visit, the Acupuncturist will review your intake form and ask you a variety of questions related to your current health concerns and symptoms, including, but not limited to, your medical history, diet, and emotional state. In order to further aid in the diagnostic process, both your pulse and tongue will be evaluated to determine any underlying imbalances. Your pulse will be taken on both wrists in order to determine the energetic flow of the body and internal organs. Your tongue will also be assessed to identify the overall shape, color, and coating of your tongue, to also detect any internal energetic imbalances.
Upon completion of your comprehensive evaluation, the Acupuncturist will compose a treatment plan that is unique to your health concerns and needs. During this time, specific Acupuncture points will be chosen and the treatment will commence. Before the treatment starts, your Acupuncturist will inform you of the general areas where the needles will be placed, and depending on your treatment plan, you will be asked to lie down on your back, front, or side. Your Acupuncturist will step out of the room momentarily and give you the time you need to remove any articles of clothing and get settled onto the treatment table and under the linens. Your Acupuncturist will only then enter the room once you have provided them with the permission to do so. Once permission is granted, the treatment can begin, and fine, hair-like needles will be inserted into the chosen Acupuncture points and will be left in place for approximately 10 – 20 minutes while you lie stationary and relaxed with dimmed lights and quiet, calming music. You may even fall asleep during the treatment, as many people do, which is completely fine. Once all the needles are placed, your Acupuncturist will step out of the room during this time, unless specifically requested to stay in the room. After this time period, the needles will be removed and if necessary, additional modalities, such as cupping, gua sha, auricular acupuncture, ear seeds, acupressure, electroacupuncture, to name a few, may be utilized depending on your treatment needs. Individuals often report feeling relaxed following their Acupuncture treatment or may even experience a boost in their energy levels.
The first visit will last approximately 90 minutes. Follow-up or subsequent treatments will normally last approximately 1 hour.